The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries seek to create a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment for our campus community and visitors. The library is a place for learning and reflection, and our staff supports these activities by providing helpful, responsive, and knowledgeable service. Mutual courtesy and respect among users and staff are essential to promoting the educational mission of the library.
Access and Use
The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries are open to the VU community and visitors of Vanderbilt community members including parents, friends, prospective students and visiting researchers. Find details on visitor access and hours for each of our library locations. Eligible borrowers temporarily without access to library buildings are encouraged to use our contactless pickup service by signing in to the Library Catalog.
Circulation and Loan
Borrowing privileges and loan periods vary by user role and specific library policies. See this table to find your role and see which borrowing, renewing, loan, and late fees apply to you. For any questions, please ask a librarian.
Gifts
The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries depend on gifts and donations to acquire, organize, and make accessible the resources that support research and generate knowledge. We appreciate the support of benefactors who understand how important a world-class library is to the education of students who will one day shape our future. Read more.
Privacy
Protecting the rights of library users to view and read materials without fear of intrusion, intimidation or reprisal is a core value for all libraries. To safeguard the privacy of individuals in their use of the library, the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries maintain the confidentiality of library records. Student records, including library borrowing records, are additionally protected by federal privacy laws. Read more.
Public Computers
Public computer workstations are available on a first come/first served basis. To ensure access for all Vanderbilt users, selected computers require a log in using the VUNetID. Priority on all workstations is given to academic and research activity. Please be considerate of other users and restrict recreational or casual personal use. Read more.
Guidelines for Using Digital Content
The library provides access to thousands of electronic journals, books, and databases for the non-profit educational use of Vanderbilt University. Use of these resources is governed by copyright law and individual license terms of use. Read more.
Protecting Our Resources
One of our highest goals is to create a setting where our users feel free to pursue research and study without compromising their privacy or safety. Equally important is protecting the physical integrity of our books, journals, and other resources. These materials form the intellectual core of the library, and we endeavor to ensure that users have access to sources of information that are in serviceable condition. To preserve and share materials, circulation policies are in place. In order to protect delicate or one-of-a-kind materials, special guidelines for the handling and use of items may exist in some locations. Food and drinks in covered containers are allowed except in designated areas. Read more.
Safety and Well-Being of Minors
Minors are welcome at the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries provided that they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and under appropriate supervision. A minor is anyone under the age of 16.
Please be aware that our facilities are open to the public, a situation which can present risks to minors. Access to, or use of, the Internet by minors is solely the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, and is subject to the libraries’ Use of Public Computers policy.
The libraries cannot assume responsibility for the safety of minors left unattended. The safety and security of minors are the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Library staff cannot be responsible for the safety and comfort of minors, especially in an emergency situation.
If a minor is accompanied by an adult but unsupervised and acting inappropriately (e.g., distracting other users, making noise, playing with library equipment), library staff will attempt to locate the adult and inform them that the minor must be supervised. If a minor is in the libraries without adult supervision, library staff will notify the Vanderbilt University Police Department as appropriate.
Scheduled Visits by Minors
All scheduled visits to the Heard Libraries by minors need to be registered with the Protection of Minors office. If you have questions, please work with your librarian to register your visit.
Photography and Video
Personal Photography and Video
Visitors may take photographs and film videos in our libraries as long as they are for personal use only. When photographing/filming, please keep noise to a minimum and avoid causing disruptions for library patrons and staff. We also ask that you respect the privacy of other individuals using the libraries. Please refrain from photographing/filming library patrons and staff, including their computers, documents and other belongings, unless you have received their prior consent.
Professional Photography and Video for Personal Use
If you would like to schedule a professional photo/video shoot in our libraries for personal use, such as a graduation photo shoot that may require additional lighting, equipment, etc., please email your request to the Strategic Communications office at least 10 business days prior to the preferred date. In your request, please provide your name and contact information; the purpose of the photo/video shoot; and the preferred date, time and location.
Commercial Photography and Video
To photograph/film for commercial use on Vanderbilt’s campus, you must first receive approval from the university’s Division of Communications and Marketing. A completed film location application is required for submission. For additional information, please review the Non-News Film, Video, and Photography Guidelines.